The 1975: Biography, Albums, Essential Songs and Legacy

The 1975 are the band that made genre feel optional. Across five albums, Matty Healy and his bandmates have jumped from 1980s-style synth-pop to guitar rock, gospel, ambient, garage and jazz-tinged ballads, often within a single record. Love them or argue about them, they have been one of the most influential guitar bands of the streaming era.

The 1975 at a glance

Formed	2002, Wilmslow, Cheshire (near Manchester), England
Members	Matty Healy (vocals, guitar), Adam Hann (guitar), Ross MacDonald (bass), George Daniel (drums, production)
Genres	Alternative rock, indie pop, synth-pop, pop rock
Label	Dirty Hit
Awards	BRIT Awards for British Group (2017, 2019) and British Album of the Year (2019)

Formation

The four members met at school near Manchester and played under several names for nearly a decade before settling on The 1975, a name Healy took from a date scribbled in a book of poetry. After being turned down by major labels, they signed with independent label Dirty Hit, which built their career through a series of EPs.

The albums

The 1975 (2013)

A U.K. No. 1 debut packed with glossy, 1980s-inspired guitar pop. “Chocolate,” “Sex,” “Robbers” and “Girls” made them teen-idol stars with indie credibility.

I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It (2016)

A bold leap into synth-pop, funk and ambient music that topped the charts in both the U.K. and U.S. “Somebody Else,” “Love Me” and “The Sound” are highlights.

A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships (2018)

Their most acclaimed album, a sprawling meditation on the internet age that won the BRIT Award for Album of the Year. “Love It If We Made It,” “Sincerity Is Scary” and “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not with You)” are essential.

Notes on a Conditional Form (2020)

Long and experimental, with “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)” and “Me & You Together Song.”

Being Funny in a Foreign Language (2022)

Tighter and warmer, produced with Jack Antonoff. “Happiness,” “Part of the Band” and “I’m in Love with You” kicked off a celebrated theatrical tour.

Matty Healy and George Daniel

Healy is one of rock’s most provocative and talked-about frontmen, and his confessional, self-mocking lyrics are central to the band’s appeal. Drummer and producer George Daniel shapes much of the band’s sound and also runs a record label and a solo electronic project.

Legacy

The 1975 made guitar bands relevant to a generation raised on pop and streaming playlists and showed that alternative rock could absorb any genre. Their influence runs through much of today’s indie pop and alternative rock.

Ten songs to start with

1. Somebody Else
2. Chocolate
3. Love It If We Made It
4. The Sound
5. Robbers
6. It’s Not Living (If It’s Not with You)
7. If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)
8. Sex
9. Happiness
10. About You

If you like The 1975, try

Bastille, Wallows, Pale Waves, The Japanese House, The Killers, Talking Heads and Tears for Fears.

Frequently asked questions

When did The 1975 form?

The members began playing together in 2002 near Manchester and released their debut album in 2013.

Who are the members of The 1975?

Matty Healy, Adam Hann, Ross MacDonald and George Daniel.

What is The 1975’s biggest song?

“Somebody Else” and “Chocolate” are among their best known, while “About You” became a streaming hit years after release.

Is The 1975 still active?

The band has continued to perform since their 2022 album, though they have spoken about taking breaks between projects.

About this article: Written and fact-checked by The Alternative One editorial team, the programmers and music writers behind the station’s on-air shows. Official artist website: the1975.com. Last reviewed October 2, 2026. Read our editorial standards or tell us about a correction.